Israeli forces fire a shell into the n. Gaza Strip, causing no injuries. In the West Bank, IDF troops shoot and injure 3 with rubber-coated metal bullets in Aida r.c. in Bethlehem. The IDF conducts house searches and arrest raids in 1 village nr. Salfit in the afternoon, and in Hebron and 2 nearby villages, in ‘Ayn Bayt al-Ma’ r.c. in Nablus, and 1 village each nr. Jenin and Tulkarm at night; patrols in Salfit and 1 village nr. Ramallah in the morning, in Hebron and 1 village and al-Fawar r.c. nearby in the afternoon, and in 2 villages nr. Hebron at night. In East Jerusalem, IDF troops raid the al-Quds University students’ dormitory in Abu Dis. Meanwhile, right-wing Jewish activists vandalize 45 cars in the Bayt Hanina neighborhood, leaving “price tag” graffiti nearby. Separately, a Palestinian-owned shop in Jerusalem is the target of an arson attempt, with anti-Arab slogans left at the scene. (AFP, MNA, WAFA 3/25; PCHR 3/27)
Unnamed Palestinian officials tell Maan news agency that PA Pres. Abbas has agreed to extend peace negotiations if certain conditions are met, namely a settlement construction freeze and the release of more prisoners. A final batch of 30 prisoners is due to be released on 3/29, and Fatah Central Cmte. mbr. Mohamed Ashtiya tells the media that without the release, the PA will turn to UN agencies. Meanwhile, Haaretz reports that officials working for U.S. Secy. of State Kerry have been visiting Ramallah over the last 2 days. (MNA, HA 3/25)